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Scars resulting from deliberate self-harm (DSH) represent therapeutically challenging forms of scarring due to their highly variable patterns, with no official therapeutic guidelines available. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a non-ablative fractional Er:glass 1565 nm laser, as a potential new, minimal-invasive approach for the improvement of DSH scars. Sixteen Caucasians suffering from mature DSH scars were included in this clinical study. Patients received a total of three treatments using a non-ablative fractional 1565 nm Er:glass laser every 4 weeks, employing two passes (300 μbeams/cm2, 40 mJ, onto the scar; 150 μbeams/cm2, 50 mJ, overall area). Measurements included questionnaires (DLQI, POSAS), digital photography, and objective three-dimensional analysis using PRIMOS and VECTRA software at baseline, 1 and 6 months after treatment. PRIMOS objective measurements showed highly significant changes in scar surface with a reduction of atrophic lesions by 27.5% at 6 months follow-up (FU), a decrease in scar height by 42.7% at 6 months FU, resulting in an overall diminished skin irregularity dropping from 678.3 μm at baseline to 441.6 μm throughout the course of the study (p = <0.001 respectively). Improvements in objective measurements were supported by clinical evaluation of scar parameters and showed a strong correlation with enhanced life quality of treated patients. Procedures were well-tolerated, with no lasting negative side effects and little to no downtime. The use of a fractional non-ablative 1565 nm Er:glass laser represents a promising and safe approach for the therapy of DSH scars. Although these scars will never fully resolve, their appearance can be significantly improved to a cosmetically and socially more acceptable appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In cases of anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) syndrome, it is often difficult to differentiate between compression neuropathy and neuritis., Material and Methods: This review analyses the clinical aspects of the neuritic AIN syndrome and the different diagnostic tools for securing the diagnosis and differentiating the condition from compression neuropathy. Based on these data, the current therapeutic options are proposed., Results: The AIN syndrome often results from neuritis of the AIN fascicles within the trunk of the median nerve. The differentiation between neuritis and compression neuropathy of the AIN is based on dedicated neurophysiological examinations as well as nerve sonography and MRI neurography. Although conservative treatment is the gold standard, microsurgical interventions have become more important in recent years., Conclusion: A dedicated diagnostic workup of the AIN syndrome is paramount for optimal treatment. Conservative treatment remains the standard to date. However, if torsions and constrictions of nerve fascicles are detected, intrafascicular neurolysis should be considered, as current research shows the potential for an improved outcome in such cases., Competing Interests: Die Autorinnen/Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Anti-wrinkle creams containing hyaluronic-acid are often advertised as an efficacious option for the treatment of wrinkles and have even been presented as an option equal to some medical procedures in this regard. Evidence from conclusive and systematic research supporting those claims, however, is widely lacking., Objectives: During this trial we examined whether the daily use of anti-wrinkle creams containing hyaluronic-acid has an influence on the depth of wrinkles as well as skin tightness and elasticity., Methods: We split up 20 patients into four groups, each of which were assigned an anti-wrinkle cream containing hyaluronic acid for daily use. Four different creams within different price ranges were chosen (Balea, Nivea, Lancôme, Chanel). Before and after the 3 month trial, wrinkle depth was assessed using the PRIMOS(pico) (GFMesstechnik, Teltow, Germany) and skin-tightness and elasticity were evaluated using the Cutometer MP580 (Courage+Khazaka, Cologne, Germany). Additionally, after the trial, questionnaire data on patient satisfaction with their individual product was collected., Results: The depth of perioral and orbital wrinkles decreased significantly in all groups, with depth reduction ranging between 10% and 20%. Skin-tightness increased significantly in all groups, rising by 13 to 30%. Minimal significant changes in skin-elasticity could only be shown in individual groups., Conclusions: The regular use of hyaluronic-acid containing anti-wrinkle creams for over 3 months showed clear and positive effects on wrinkle-depth and skin-tightness. Due to the design of the study, however, no clear indication on the efficacy of hyaluronic acid could be shown.